Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool – Processes – Bit detachable
Reexamination Certificate
2002-11-27
2003-11-11
Howell, Daniel W. (Department: 3722)
Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
Processes
Bit detachable
C408S097000, C408S234000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644897
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to end effectors manipulated by robotic arms and, more particularly, to an end effector capable of applying a clamping force while drilling, sensing the surface of the work piece to accommodate variations in distance, removing metal chips, delivering a spray mist of lubricant to a drill tip, and employing photogrammetry position targeting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a traditional manufacturing process, manipulation and processing of products are typically accomplished manually by workers. In the case of modern aircraft manufacturing, this manual manipulation and processing frequently includes manually drilling a multitude of holes through materials such as titanium and the like. The accuracy of these holes is highly dependent upon the skill of the worker. It is also frequently necessary to prepare these holes with countersunk sections to enable a fastener to lie generally flush with the material surface. To this end, it is necessary to maintain high tolerances and repeatability of drill depth in such applications. As can be appreciated, such work is extremely dependent upon the skill of the worker and also requires enormous amounts of worker endurance. Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide an end effector capable of expeditiously drilling numerous highly accurate fastener holes in a part.
Moreover, as mentioned above, aircraft manufacturing requires high tolerances to be maintained to ensure that the aircraft is able to withstand the rigors of flight. To this end, it is necessary to ensure the depth and location of fastener holes are predictable and accurate, irrespective of the actual positioning of the part to be drilled relative to the drilling apparatus. Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide an end effector capable of drilling numerous fastener holes within high tolerances.
Still further, titanium is frequently used in the manufacturing of aircraft. As is known to those skilled in the art, titanium is a very strong and lightweight material particularly well suited for use in structurally demanding applications. However, due to the strength characteristics of titanium, it is often necessary to provide a lubricating fluid to the working tool in an attempt to extend the useful life of the working tool. Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide an end effector having a self-contained lubricating system.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a drilling end effector capable of expeditiously drilling numerous fastener holes in an aircraft.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a drilling end effector capable of drilling numerous fastener holes within high tolerances.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a drilling end effector having a self-contained lubricating system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a drilling end effector that is not susceptible to the shortcomings of the prior art methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are provided by a drilling end effector in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, a method of using a drilling end effector is provided that comprises providing a drilling end effector having a plurality of photogrammetry targets secured thereto. The positional orientation of the drilling end effector along six degrees of freedom is detected using a photogrammetry sensor to determine the orientation of the plurality of photogrammetry targets and outputting a position signal to a controller. The drilling end effector is robotically manipulated adjacent to a part to be drilled in response to the position signal to accurately position a drill bit relative to the part to be drilled. The part is then drilled.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3973858 (1976-08-01), Poisson et al.
patent: 4329092 (1982-05-01), Ponitzsch et al.
patent: 4330052 (1982-05-01), Schymick
patent: 4418767 (1983-12-01), Vindez
patent: 4637775 (1987-01-01), Kato
patent: 4714339 (1987-12-01), Lau et al.
patent: 4784540 (1988-11-01), Underhaug
patent: 4818154 (1989-04-01), Bye et al.
patent: 4948308 (1990-08-01), Giannuzzi et al.
patent: 5106290 (1992-04-01), Carver et al.
patent: 5203650 (1993-04-01), McCourtney
patent: 5203855 (1993-04-01), Givler et al.
patent: 5213454 (1993-05-01), Givler et al.
patent: 5277523 (1994-01-01), Jones
patent: 5299894 (1994-04-01), McCowin
patent: 5379508 (1995-01-01), Givler et al.
patent: 5380978 (1995-01-01), Pryor
patent: 5458443 (1995-10-01), Belge et al.
patent: 5482409 (1996-01-01), Dunning et al.
patent: 5848859 (1998-12-01), Clark et al.
patent: 5910894 (1999-06-01), Pryor
patent: 5949685 (1999-09-01), Greenwood et al.
patent: 6012877 (2000-01-01), McCowin et al.
patent: 6039518 (2000-03-01), Day
patent: 6043621 (2000-03-01), Neumann
patent: 6158929 (2000-12-01), Fisher
patent: 6231280 (2001-05-01), Bullen
patent: 6514018 (2003-02-01), Martinez et al.
patent: 2003/0031383 (2003-02-01), Gooch
patent: 2003/0048459 (2003-03-01), Gooch
patent: 2003/0090682 (2003-05-01), Gooch et al.
Davancens Angelica
Martinez Antonio B.
Whinnem Eric
Zanteson William Paul
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Howell Daniel W.
The Boeing Company
LandOfFree
Pneumatic drilling end effector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Pneumatic drilling end effector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pneumatic drilling end effector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3148401